Why Does Chris Gotterup Aim So Far Left? The Surprising Secret Behind His Success (And Should You Try It?)
Chris Gotterup is dominating the golf scene right now. His confidence and aggressive style make his game look deceptively effortless, especially when he’s on a hot streak. But here’s where it gets controversial: if you’ve watched him closely, you’ve probably noticed something peculiar about his setup. Sometimes, it looks like he’s aiming a full 20 yards left of the target. It seems counterintuitive, almost wrong—but it’s undeniably working for him. So, what’s the deal? Let’s break it down.
Why the Leftward Aim?
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: while Gotterup’s body is aimed left, his clubface isn’t. This isn’t a mistake; it’s a deliberate choice. Gotterup favors a controlled fade, a shot that starts left and gently curves back toward the target. To achieve this, his alignment reflects that intention. Here’s what you’ll typically see:
- Feet open
- Hips slightly open
- Shoulders open relative to the target
This setup encourages a swing path that moves slightly left of the target. When paired with a clubface that’s just a touch right of that path, the ball starts left and gradually falls back—the perfect fade. But this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the alignment; it’s about the relationship between the body, the swing path, and the clubface.
The Clubface: The Unseen Hero
At the top of his backswing, Gotterup’s clubface is generally square to slightly open relative to his lead forearm. There’s no dramatic bowing or shutting of the face. His lead wrist remains neutral, sometimes slightly extended. If he paired his leftward alignment with a heavily shut clubface, he’d risk pull-hooks. Instead, his face stays stable and controlled, allowing him to rotate through the ball with speed and power. In simple terms:
- Body aligned left
- Swing path slightly left
- Clubface just right of the path
This combination produces the controlled fade we see on TV. But why does this work so well for him?
The Role of His Strong Grip
Gotterup’s strong grip is a game-changer. It allows the clubface to square naturally without excessive manipulation late in the swing. He doesn’t need to “save” the shot with his hands; the club moves in harmony with his body. Additionally, his full athletic turn—shifting hard into his lead side and rotating through impact without stalling—complements this setup perfectly. It’s a stark contrast to the average golfer, who often swings across the ball and leaves the face open. For them, adopting a more open alignment without understanding the clubface’s role could lead to bigger misses.
Should You Try This?
If you’re watching Gotterup string together birdies and thinking, “I’ll just aim left next time I play,” hold on. This alignment is only part of the equation. For most golfers, copying just this aspect won’t yield the same results. It’s easy to focus on because it’s visible, but it’s the less obvious elements—like his stable clubface, powerful rotation, and comfort with starting the ball left—that make it work. If you naturally play a controlled fade, opening your alignment slightly might help you commit to that shot shape. But if you struggle with a slice or face control, aiming more left could exacerbate your misses. The ball will still curve, just farther off course.
My Takeaway
I’ve always believed that a swing should be built around what feels natural and effective for you. Personally, I’ve always hit a draw—it’s my go-to shot. Years ago, I worked with someone who wanted me to switch to a fade full-time. I tried, but it never felt right. Could I hit a fade? Absolutely. Most skilled players can shape the ball both ways. But as my stock shot, it didn’t feel trustworthy in high-pressure situations.
That’s what stands out about Gotterup. He’s not trying to conform to a textbook style or force a neutral setup just because it looks “right.” Instead, he’s found what works for him—and it’s proven effective enough to win multiple times on the PGA Tour. Here’s the controversial question: Is golf about adhering to traditional form, or is it about finding what works for you, even if it looks unconventional? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear if you’ve experimented with a similar setup and how it’s worked for you.
